Touch Interface Rotation Tool for Precise 3D Object Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch interfaces for rotating objects in virtual environments are limited, often restricting rotation to 90-degree changes and lacking intuitive controls for precise orientation, as well as failing to maintain camera pan and zoom functions during object manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A touch interface system that includes a rotation tool which allows for precise 360-degree rotation of objects while maintaining camera controls, enabling users to select and manipulate objects with high accuracy by dragging the rotation tool across the screen, with options for interval-based rotation and snapping to match nearby objects, and the ability to rotate multiple objects simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional touch interface buttons are used for object rotation, then the interface is simple to implement, but the rotation precision is limited to 90-degree increments
Solution Approach 1:
A rotation tool is introduced as an intermediary element between the user and the object. This tool visually indicates the current rotation angle and allows continuous rotation input, bridging the gap between simple button presses and precise rotation control. The tool acts as a mediator that translates user gestures into precise rotational movements while maintaining an intuitive interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from discrete 90-degree rotational steps to continuous rotational control by introducing a visual rotation tool that displays angular measurements. This adds a dimensional aspect of visual feedback and continuous adjustment, moving beyond the limited discrete states of traditional button-based rotation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If camera controls are integrated with object rotation, then the functionality is enhanced, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation tool is designed to serve multiple functions: it controls object rotation, provides visual feedback on rotation angle, and integrates with camera controls for panning and zooming. This multi-functionality approach consolidates several controls into a single unified interface element, enhancing versatility while managing complexity through integration rather than addition.
Solution Approach 2:
Object rotation controls and camera controls are merged into a unified interaction system. The rotation tool serves as the primary control for both object orientation and camera movement, combining previously separate functions into a single coherent interface that reduces overall complexity despite increased functionality.
3Productivity
If incremental rotation buttons are used, then the interface is easy to understand, but the rotation speed is slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation tool enables continuous rotational adjustment rather than discrete incremental steps. Users can smoothly rotate objects through continuous gestures, maintaining constant control and feedback throughout the rotation process. This eliminates the stop-and-go nature of incremental buttons, providing uninterrupted rotational movement that increases efficiency while remaining intuitive through visual feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer program products to rotate virtual objects within a virtual environment being displayed on a touch screen display, by, upon receiving a selection of a first virtual object using the touch screen display, rendering one or more frames depicting a rotation tool in a predefined location relative to the first virtual object and having a first orientation to the first virtual object, responsive to receiving input from the touch screen display, moving the rotation tool from a first location to a second location on the touch screen display as specified by the received input, and responsive to the movement of the rotation tool, rotating the first virtual object within the virtual environment based on the movement of the rotation tool, wherein the first virtual object substantially maintains the first orientation to the rotation tool throughout the movement.